The world's first recombinant vaccine against birch pollen allergy has been registered in Russia

The world's first recombinant vaccine against birch pollen allergy has been registered in Russia. The Allergarda drug is also intended for the treatment of concomitant cross-food allergies, the Russian Ministry of Health reported, TASS reports.

Scientists from the State Research Center “National Medical Research Center of Allergology and Immunology” of the Federal Medical and Biological Agency of Russia worked on the development together with the Medical University of Vienna. Unlike traditional ASIT, which uses natural allergens or whole proteins, Allergard used a specially created genetically engineered antigen based on individual non-allergenic components of the allergen.

Another difference between the drug is the duration of the course. According to the Russian Academy of Sciences, the vaccine can reduce the traditional 30 injections to 3-5 injections. Researchers say the optimal regimen for the drug is a regimen of five injections, which they recommend doing in the fall outside the flowering season. For now, the drug is approved for use only for patients over 18 years of age.

It is noted that Allergarda has already undergone clinical trials. The Ministry of Health reported that during clinical trials it confirmed its safety. In this case, the vaccine should be used under the supervision of specialists.

Moreover, the entire production cycle is organized within Russia. The drug is produced by the Nanolek company in the Kirov region, and quality control and production of the first industrial batches is carried out by the biotechnological company Generium from the Vladimir region.